The advertising landscape is undergoing a transformation, with women increasingly leading the charge in shaping its future. From creative innovation to leadership roles, their influence is driving greater inclusivity and diversity within the industry. In this article, we explore the evolving role of women featuring perspectives from leading industry voices, on showcasing how their contributions are reshaping advertising and creating meaningful connections with today’s diverse audiences.
Ashima Mehra, CEO – FCB INDIA
“For too long, advertising told women who they should be. Now, they are the ones telling the story. As leaders, creators, and strategists, women are breaking old narratives and redefining representation. And this isn’t just to fill some quota, women are taking up these positions on merit, which is exactly how it should be.
What we need to remember is that true inclusivity isn’t just about filling seats at the table; it’s about ensuring the voices are heard, valued, and acted upon. The more we champion each other, the stronger our impact will be—not just in advertising, but in society.”
Mithila Saraf, CEO – Famous Innovations
“Advertising is at its best when it reflects the world around us—and that’s exactly what women are bringing to the table. As storytellers, leaders, and change-makers, we are shaping campaigns that feel real and inclusive. The shift isn’t just about numbers; it’s about seeing different perspectives, breaking old narratives, and making space for voices that have long been unheard.”
Ramya Ramachandran, Founder & CEO – Whoppl.
“Women in advertising not only change the narrative but we’re architecting the future. We bring depth to storytelling, data to creativity, and cultural intelligence to brand strategy. Inclusive leadership isn’t about giving women a seat at the table; it’s about recognizing the undeniable impact of diverse thinking in driving business and cultural relevance. The real power lies in collaboration—when diverse voices shape campaigns, industries transform, and brands lead movements.”
Sonam Pradhan, Head Media & Digital Marketing South Asia – Kellanova (Kelloggs)
“With almost two decades in media and brand marketing, I’ve witnessed the evolution of women’s roles in advertising—from working behind the scenes to leading industry-defining strategies. As the head of Media & Digital Marketing for Kellogg’s South Asia, I see how inclusive leadership fuels innovation and meaningful impact. From different industries such as BFSI to Automotive to FMCG, women are no longer just an inclusivity parameter—they are equals, shaping narratives, driving decisions, and redefining the future of advertising.”
Tishya Relia, Digital & Online Business Lead – Kérastase, L’Oréal India
“The role of women in advertising has evolved in multiple aspects – the first fundamental change is how women are portrayed in ads – it’s now a lot more reflective of our role in the society overall, beyond just our homes. The second is that as more women take up roles in creating ads, there are many sharp insights and creative ideas that have emerged. From identifying consumer patterns to storytelling, there has been a shift as more women are actively involved in all stages of crafting brands and consumer journeys.”
Neelakshi Mondkar, Creative Director – ADK India
“Women’s leadership in key decision-making roles is crucial for championing diversity. But why is diversity important? Because diversity fuels creativity. The broader the range of perspectives, the more creative the outcomes can be, a quality that’s valuable in advertising. It’s no surprise that we see women stepping into leadership roles. As India’s economy rises, women’s involvement particularly in advertising has become pivotal. Women bring inherent qualities like inclusiveness, intuition, emotional intelligence, and creativity, all indispensable qualities for today’s leaders.”
Suchi Jain, General Manager – Madison World
“The advertising industry has historically been a boys’ club, but the roles of women are thankfully evolving. We have now witnessed significant progress in the role of women, evolving from stereotypical portrayals to inclusive and diverse representations not just globally but also in India
Women are now taking center stage as creative leaders, strategists, and entrepreneurs.
Inclusive leadership is driving this transformation, fostering a culture of empathy, equality, and opportunity. As a result, the ecosystem right from creation of ads to execution is seeing an embracing change unlocking creative potential, driving growth, and reflecting the complexity of modern society representation.
Inclusive leadership is key to dismantling outdated stereotypes and fostering creativity. By embracing diverse voices and experiences, the industry can create impactful campaigns that resonate with everyone. This Women’s Day, let’s celebrate the progress made and continue pushing for a truly inclusive and representative advertising landscape with no gender roles defined.”
Upasana Dua, Executive Strategy Director, Landor India
“While there are more women in advertising roles overall, the percentage in senior positions leaves us wanting. We have been taking small steps, but what got us here won’t get us there. Women are proven to be better in leadership positions according to Forbes (and me), and agencies need to encourage women to focus on revenue-generating roles, commercial impact, board representation and business management beyond creative skills.”
